We first meet Eragon in this opening section to the saga, toiling away on his uncle's farm; another nobody amongst the millions of citizens in Galbatorix's Empire. Everything changes when he discovers a mysterious rock deep in the forest; ushering in a brave new world of secretive companions, ancient magic, and a brush with destiny.

Realizing his victory over Durza was mostly luck, Eragon decides to head for the ancestral forests of the Elves for training. As he recieves training from a surprising source, he is plagued with doubts in his abilities and his physical well being. Meanwhile, Roran takes a stand against the Empire and leads his people on dangerous voyage.

Shaken and recovering from the massive battle at the Burning Plains, Eragon must come to terms with his responsibilites as a leader of the rebellion and his promises to the various factions. It is up to him to hold the disparate alliance together and spearhead the long-awaited invasion.